Hiring a Kitchen Designer – 7 Questions You Should Ask

Choosing a professional kitchen designer

A kitchen designer is a professional who specialize in the interior design of kitchens and sometimes baths. But how do you know if you need a kitchen designer and what should be asked before signing on the dotted line? Hiring a kitchen designer might be money well spent if you’re considering a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project that extends beyond a basic cosmetic facelift. A kitchen designer can create a kitchen plan that utilizes the square footage you have available in the most efficient way possible, are up-to-date on the latest kitchen design trends, and can often find ways for you to save a little money on your project.

When hiring a kitchen designer, the two primary methods are: 1) purely design function or 2) as a contractor who will handle the entire project from start to finish. If you hire a kitchen designer to simply draw plans, once that phase is complete, hiring a remodeling contractor and getting the project done is up to you. Regardless of which route you decide to take, here are a few questions to keep in mind before hiring a kitchen designer.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #1: How Are You Qualified As A Kitchen Designer?

Just because someone claims to be a kitchen designer doesn’t make it so. Does the designer have any certifications from the National Kitchen & Bath Association or similar organizations? Have they taken any courses in kitchen design and do they attend industry trade shows and seminars to keep up with the latest kitchen design trends and products? It is usually a bad sign if you don’t see any books or magazines about kitchen design in their office.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #2: How Much Input Will I Have?

When you hire a kitchen designer, their purpose should be to create a space that suits the needs and desires of you and your family – not a kitchen or bath that just demonstrates their talent for design. A good kitchen designer should take time to find out what remodeling ideas you have, your family’s lifestyle, and even tie their work in with the overall style of your home. Find a kitchen designer who is willing to make your ideas a part of the overall team.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #3: Can You Work Within My Budget?

The perfect kitchen or bath design doesn-t do you much good if you can’t afford it. Be honest with your kitchen designer about your budget for the project and ask if the remodeling kitchen ideas you hope for are feasible for that amount. Don’t allow yourself to be talked into stretching your budget too far as it can take all the enjoyment out of the project and replace it with stress.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #4: Do You Have References?

While everyone has to start somewhere, it is usually best if it is not on your kitchen project. Ask how many projects similar to yours they have done in the past and if it would be possible to pay a visit to a few of those homes that are within close proximity. When inspecting their projects, don’t be afraid to ask the previous customers what they thought of the services from the designer.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #5: How Long Will It Take to Create My Design?

This may only be an important issue if you’re hoping to get your renovation done by a certain date or holiday, but it is still nice to have a kitchen designer who will work with a sense of urgency. Depending on the complexity of the project and the current workload of the designer, most drawings should be able to be completed within one to three weeks.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #6: How Many Options and Ideas Will I Receive?

Many kitchen designers prepare several plans for homeowners that range across a price spectrum to provide options and a variety of remodeling kitchen ideas. Hiring a designer who will do this is a good example of how spending a little extra money can sometimes save a lot.

Hiring a Kitchen Designer – Question #7: Can I Choose My Own Contractor?

If you hire a kitchen designer to handle your project from start to finish, they will often have their own pool of contractors that work on their jobs. In many cases they choose these contractors due to their reliability and the quality of their workmanship, and the designer may be reluctant to make a substitution. If there is a painter or electrician you have worked with in the past, or your brother-in-law happens to be a plumber, ask your designer if it would be possible to use them on your project during the interview stage rather than waiting until after signing the contract.

Whether you hire a kitchen designer to just draw plans or handle the entire project, it can be a wise investment when doing an extensive renovation. And be sure to research kitchen remodeling costs and their return on investment as you interview kitchen designers so you can be sure to get the best return on your remodeling budget.

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What People Are Saying About Us

The products and services exceeded my expectations. I was able to have a very nice set of cabinets customized to fit my taste without extra expense added. The designers gave me ideas and let me know what would or would not work on this particular job. Jay McAdams was helpful in all aspects of remodeling the kitchen. I live 6 hours away so he took responsibility for lining up outsiders that were needed, plumbers, electricians & granite specialist. I would say this company and in particular Jay took away all the stress usually involved in remodeling. He worked nights and weekends to make sure the job was done accurately and on time. I have been in the rental business for many, many years and had over 15 remodeling projects done. This company was the easiest, most trustworthy and professional group I've ever used.

Gloria M – Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Jay McAdams, the company owner, was very responsive. He went out of his way to ensure that I understood the process & insisted on meeting me at the granite store when I was scheduled to make the granite selection for my countertops. This is the third property that I have had a kitchen renovation performed on, and it is by far the best job that I have experienced!

Felicity D – Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Jay McAdams, owner of Kitchen Solvers, gives new meaning to the term, customer service! I have had 2 kitchens re-done on other properties I own; the previous companies I used did not meet Kitchen Solvers level of expertise or professionalism. I wish I had found this company sooner. Jay insisted on meeting me at the granite store to ensure that my granite selection went smoothly. He continuously followed up with me throughout the installation. I live out of state, but Jay kept me informed throughout the process. He forwarded photos of each phase of the remodeling job & upon completion. I highly recommend Kitchen Solvers & would not consider using any other company.

Houzz User

Jay was very professional, reliable and honest. The work was neat and clean and we have an amazing kitchen!

Becky B – Gulf Breeze, FL

Kitchen Solvers of the Emerald Coast did an awesome job on our kitchen! We had an idea in our mind about how our "dream kitchen" would look. Surprisingly, it ended up looking even better than we had imagined! Jay and his dad are some of the nicest guys we have ever met and their whole team was very considerate every step of the way. My husband and I would recommend them for anyone wanting a beautiful custom kitchen!

Houzz User

I liked that the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The end result looked like what we imagined. Also, liked that we were able to get honest opinions about our choices.

Rachel K – Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Kitchen Solvers renovated two of our bathrooms. Installed new cabinets; there are a lot of angles in the master bath and I was concerned how the cabinets would fit. Jay did a wonderful job. Very professional, we would recommend Kitchen Solvers.

Houzz User

Kitchen Solvers did 3 full bathrooms for us. Jay McAdams was great in that he worked with us through the design phase, costing and implementation. 2 bathrooms utilized new/refacing cabinets and the master was a custom cabinet job. All three were delivered on time and in budget. What I like about Jay is that he spent time with on other design elements for each bath and had a great list of affiliate companies that we were able to use for counter tops, plumbing and electrical.
This was not an easy job as we had 3 full baths, 2 ripped down to the studs and a 3rd where Jay had to work within a framework of an existing cabinet base. They went through various design scenarios with us, delivered the proposal and made the contracting part very easy. The cabinets were all delivered on time and with no damage. The install took a day for each but only a few hours of each day. They were extremely meticulous in getting everything in place, working around the plumbing and some custom electrical that we had installed behind the cabinets to be able to hide anything needing plugs within the drawers. Even the cutouts for around the sink piping were perfect and thoughtful. They didn't just cut a square for the plumbing, they actually trimmed 3 circles out for each pipe so the back wall wasn't showing - the attention to detail was fantastic. The cabinets all came with levelers and we had KS install under-lighting for each cabinet. They kept everything very clean during and after the install and were considerate of our schedule. From beginning to end the process was as good as it can get.

Wendy & Jeff D – Shalimar, FL

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From the first sit-down meeting in your old kitchen, to the first time you walk through your newly remodeled space, you’ll know you partnered with the right team. We oversee the process from start to finish, ensuring the most efficient, hassle-free experience possible. This is who we are at the core of Kitchen Solvers…Read More